Irene Lewis

Irene (Silas) Lewis passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of August 11, 2025, due to Alzheimer’s and other medical conditions. Irene was born May 1, 1940, in Brilliant, Alabama, to John and Bertha Silas, as the youngest of nine born children.

Irene was married and had two children: a son, Rickey, and a daughter, Deborah. She eventually moved from Alabama to Oregon, where she lived with her son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and eldest two grandchildren. In 1985, they collectively moved to Arizona where later another grandson and granddaughter, and eventually three great-grandchildren, were born.

Irene was a valued employee at Intel for 17 years and retired in 1998. Irene was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family enjoying a well-made meal, talking, laughing, and taking in each other’s company. She also loved reading, watching movies, and working in the yard with her plants and flowers. She was a great cook and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and embroidery. She loved being around the ocean, especially the beaches in San Diego.

In 2021, Irene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Irene bravely fought all the physical and mental limitations she experienced, but Alzheimer’s was persistent. Near the end, blessedly, she was aware enough to know she was surrounded by people she loved and who loved her dearly.

Irene is preceded in death by her mother and father, John T. and Bertha A. (Rawls) Silas, her four brothers, three sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and her beloved daughter-in-law, Tammy.

Irene is survived by her loving children: her son Rickey, daughter Deborah; her grandchildren, Benjamin (Ashley), Amanda (Trevor), Nathaniel, and Gwenith; and her three adorable great-grandchildren Alexander (Lotte), Abigail, and Olivia.

Services will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2025.